Sino Iron in a positive frame of mind

CITIC Pacific Mining (CPM) is taking Mental Health Week to the next level with Beyond November – a month-long initiative aimed at promoting positive mental health among workers at the Sino Iron project, south of Karratha, and raising money for a leading community mental health group.

The Beyond November concept follows last year’s highly-successful CPM initiative, Pink October, which raised just under $34,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and increased awareness of the issue among staff.

This year, CPM is partnering with national not-for-profit organisation beyondblue. The group aims to reduce the impact of anxiety and depression within the community.

As well as supporting a good cause, CPM is keen for staff to learn more about how to boost the mental health of themselves, friends and family. There are currently more than 2500 staff and contractors at site, with the first two processing lines now producing and exporting magnetite concentrate, and construction and commissioning of another four lines well underway.

Next month’s activities include presentations at site from beyondblue representatives.

CPM Community Relations Advisor Helen Antonas said that she had been overwhelmed by the support from contracting companies and suppliers, many Pilbara-based, who donated over $30,000 worth of prizes for Beyond November raffles at Sino Iron.

“Once they knew what we were trying to achieve, businesses were very enthusiastic about supporting us,” Helen said.

Donations include a boat and registered trailer, watches, a variety of vouchers, camping and fishing equipment, Steel Blue blue boots and much more.

To kick-off fundraising activities, CPM employees and contractors purchased 1400 custom-made blue high-vis PPE and polo shirts, with CPM committing to match the cost of one shirt per employee.

Over $35,000 has already been raised as a result of shirt sales and fundraising activities.

“We have already raised more than last year’s total and we hope to be in a position to hand over a big cheque at the end of November to beyondblue.”

With about 3 million Australians living with depression and anxiety, CPM recognises the importance of positive mental health and offers employees access to a free counselling and other one-on-one support and services.